Invite in this herald of spring with its bright white, early-season blooms. Hardy in the UK, down to -15°C, go bigger and better with these giant snowdrops.
Naturalise these low-maintenance bulbs in your garden to get the earliest glimpse of spring. Known for their appearance in some of the coldest months of the year, snowdrops are among the earliest flowers to bloom here in the UK, and this giant variety is no exception. Looking stunning when in full bloom, why not plant a whole drift to poke through the last snows with the first blooms of spring?
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Bulbous perennial
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Flower, tufted growth
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Flowers in late winter, foliage winter to spring
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Scientific Name
Galanthus elwesii (milk-white flowers, Elwes' species)
Origin
Native to southeastern Europe, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Türkiye, Ukraine and the northwestern Balkan peninsula
Pruning Tips
No pruning is required, you can let these die back naturally each year.
Wildlife Value
These nectar and pollen-rich flowers are known for attracting bees, especially honeybees and any early-waking bumblebees.
Positioning
Plant in partial shade; snowdrops can cope in both sheltered and exposed positions.
Water
Make sure the soil is moist but well-draining. These late-winter bulbs need moisture to grow well, but still won't like sitting in a puddle.
Soil
Snowdrops are not too fussy about what type of soil they grow in, just make sure it drains reasonably well. A humus-rich soil that won't totally dry out in summer is a good shout.
Food
Snowdrops don't need a lot of feeding; adding some mulch to the soil will give them a good amount of nutrients, or you can feed with a liquid feed in autumn or after flowering in spring.
Pet-safe
No, Snowdrops are toxic to cats and dogs (though they are not reported toxic to humans, birds, horses or livestock)
Sprouts Top Tips
Best planted 'in the green', after flowering, rather than in autumn or while in flower.
Extras
This plant has been given the RHS' prestigious Award of Garden Merit for its stellar all-round performance in the garden.
